As part of National Diabetes Week, on July 12, Diabetes NSW & ACT is giving 80 children and adults living with diabetes the experience of lifetime, taking them on a night time climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
From their vantage point at the top of the Bridge, climbers will be treated to the very best view as the sails of the Sydney Opera House and Luna Park’s Ferris Wheel turn blue – the international colour of diabetes.
Sturt Eastwood, CEO Diabetes NSW & ACT says, “we are incredibly excited to have Australia’s icons turn blue for diabetes. It’s such a strong sign of support for our community especially during National Diabetes Week, which happily coincides with our 80th birthday celebrations.”
“There are almost 435,000 people in NSW and the ACT living with diabetes. To save lives, this National Diabetes Week, we’re drawing attention to the signs and symptoms of diabetes to reduce the number of people being diagnosed too late,” says Eastwood.
A delayed diabetes diagnosis can have very serious consequences. Failure to detect the early signs of type 1 diabetes can be life threatening. “Our data shows that one in five people with type 1 are only diagnosed after being admitted to hospital with diabetes ketoacidosis, an acute complication which can be fatal,” Eastwood says.
The 80 guests Diabetes NSW & ACT is taking to the top of the Bridge are all kids and adults living with type 1 diabetes. While managing any type of diabetes is challenging, for those living with type 1, the ongoing routine of daily insulin injections, regular blood glucose monitoring as well as diet, exercise and regular health checks can take its toll.
Climber, Tanya Ilkiw, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for 15 years, says “Dealing with the day to day management of diabetes can be difficult. At times it feels like you can’t catch a break and you feel alone. But tonight we’re going to be part of something bigger, part of a community raising awareness about what it’s like to live with diabetes and that feels empowering. I can’t wait to be standing on top of the Bridge seeing Sydney lit in blue for diabetes.”
“Thursday night is going to be an incredibly special night for us and Diabetes NSW & ACT […] helping us shine a light on the significant impact diabetes has on individuals and on our whole community,” says Eastwood.
